TECHNICAL SUPPORT .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3. FRONT & BACK PANEL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 7
FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7
BACK PANEL ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
USB ................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
SYSTEM TIMER FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
DIGITAL OUTPUT MULTIPLEXER .................................................................................................................................................. 10
NAVIGATING THE 9200 ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
ENABLING SYSTEM OUTPUT ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
POWER .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
USB ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
System Section ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Saving Custom Settings to a Bin ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Recalling Custom Settings from a Bin ............................................................................................................................. 21
7. OPERATING THE 9200 ............................................................................................................................................. 23
NORMAL INTERNAL RATE GENERATOR OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 23
Page 2 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
Single Shot Mode ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
System Burst Mode Function .......................................................................................................................................... 24
System Duty Cycle Function ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Channel Normal Function ............................................................................................................................................... 25
Channel Single Shot Function ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Generate a Pulse on Every Trigger Input ........................................................................................................................ 27
Using the External Gate to Control the System .............................................................................................................. 28
Using the External Gate to Control the Channel............................................................................................................. 28
8. PROGRAMMING THE 9200 ...................................................................................................................................... 31
PERSONAL COMPUTER TO 9200COMMUNICATION ....................................................................................................................... 31
USB Interface Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 31
PROGRAMMING COMMAND TYPES AND FORMAT .......................................................................................................................... 31
Line Termination ............................................................................................................................................................ 32
IEEE 488.2 Common Command Format ......................................................................................................................... 32
SCPI Command Format ................................................................................................................................................... 33
10. APPENDIX B – BLUETOOTH OPTION .................................................................................................................... 44
POWER .................................................................................................................................................................................. 44
11. APPENDIX C – PLUS OPTION ............................................................................................................................... 46
UPGRADING TO A 9200PLUS .................................................................................................................................................... 46
Resolution and Accuracy ................................................................................................................................................ 47
Plus Options .................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Terminating Into 50 Ohms.............................................................................................................................................. 55
Terminating Into High Impedance .................................................................................................................................. 55
13. APPENDIX E – SAFETY SYMBOLS ......................................................................................................................... 56
14. APPENDIX F – CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................................................................ 58
Page 4 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
1. Introduction
This manual is a reference designed to familiarize you with the Quantum Composers 9200
series pulse generator and is arranged so that you can easily find the information you’re
looking for. Generally, each topic has its own section and no section assumes that you’ve
read anything else in the manual.
Technical Support
For questions or comments about operating the 9200 our technical staff can be reached
via one of the following methods:
In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 9200 has a two-year limited warranty
from the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship.
Quantum Composers will repair or replace any defective unit. Contact us for information
on obtaining warranty service.
Package Contents
The box you receive should contain the following:
9200 Pulse Generator
User’s Manual, Drivers, & 9200 application on Disc
USB Cord
Contact Quantum Composers 1 (406) 582-0227 if any parts are missing. Updated CD
contents and/or support are available from the web site at: www.quantumcomposers.com
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 5
2. Safety Issues
Normal use of test equipment presents a certain amount of danger due to electrical shock
because it may be necessary for testing to be performed where voltage is exposed.
An electrical shock causing 10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most
human heartbeats. Voltage as low as 35 VDC or 35 V
dangerous and hazardous, as it can produce a lethal current under certain conditions.
Higher voltages pose an even greater threat because such voltage can easily produce a
lethal current. Your normal work habits should include all accepted practices that will
prevent contact with exposed high voltage and steer current away from your heart in case of
accidental contact with a high voltage. You will significantly reduce the risk factor if you
know and observe the following safety precautions:
If possible, familiarize yourself with the equipment being tested and the location of
its high-voltage points. However, remember that high voltage may appear at
unexpected points in defective equipment.
Do not expose high voltage needlessly. Remove housing and covers only when
necessary. Turn off equipment while making test connections in high- voltage
circuits. Discharge high-voltage capacitors after shutting down power.
When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line voltage is usually
present on power input circuits, such as the on-off switch, fuses, power transformer,
etc.
Use an insulated floor material or a large, insulated floor mat to stand on, and an
insulated work surface on which to place equipment. Make certain such surfaces are
not damp or wet.
Use the time-proven “one hand in the pocket” technique while handling an instrument
probe. Be particularly careful to avoid contact with metal objects that could provide a
good ground return path.
Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if
necessary. Training in CPR first aid is highly recommended.
AC should be considered
RMS
Page 6 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
3. Front & Back Panel Overview
Quantum Logo
Indicates the unit is powered on and system status.
Channel A-D
Indicates which channels are in the enabled state.
Active
Indicates the unit is armed and/or channels are
actively pulsing (or waiting to be triggered).
Front Panel
Indicators
A total of up to 6 separate LED indicators are included on the front panel of the 9200. The
following details the type of indication they represent.
Run/Stop/Power Button
The Run/Stop button serves the dual purpose of both powering on/off the unit as well as
enabling/disabling the system output. It should be noted that only a short press is needed to
both turn on and arm/disarm the unit. The button needs to be pressed and held for
approximately 1 second in order to power off the unit. In the power off sequence the active
settings are saved and reloaded when the unit is power back on.
The following image represents the front panel of a 4 channel 9214. It should be noted that
the 2 channel 9212 does not have channel C or D indicators.
Figure 3.1 - 9214 Front Panel
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 7
Back Panel
PWR
Indicates the unit is powered on.
Channel A-D
Indicates which channels are in the enabled state.
Active
Indicates the armed channels are actively pulsing
(or waiting to be triggered).
Gate/Trig
Indicates which mode the external input is in. If
neither is illuminated, the unit is in internally
triggered mode.
Indicators
A total of up to 8 separate LED indicators are included on the back panel of the 9200.The
following further details the type of indication they represent.
BNC Output Connectors
Standard BNC connectors are found on the back panel which output the pulses for their
respective channel.
USB
A “Standard B” female type USB connector is found on the back panel. This provides power
to the unit as well as communication (on standard units).
Run/Stop/Power Button
The Run/Stop button serves the dual purpose of both powering on/off the unit as well as
enabling/disabling the system output. It should be noted that only a short press is needed to
both turn on and arm/disarm the unit. The button needs to be pressed and held for
approximately 1 second in order to power off the unit. In the power off sequence the active
settings are saved and reloaded when the unit is power back on.
The following image represents the back panel of a 4 channel 9214. It should be noted that
the 2 channel 9212 does not have channel C or D output BNC’s.
Figure 3.2- 9214 Back Panel
Page 8 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
4. Pulse Concepts and Pulse Generator Operations
*Start source is:
Run/Stop button/function in Internal Modes
External input in External Trigger modes
*TRG command via Serial access
**Channels are armed by the Run/Stop function (external button or through 9200 application).
In single shot and burst modes channels may be rearmed by pressing the RUN button
again.
Continuous
Once started T0 pulses are generated continuously.
Single Shot
One T0 pulse is generated for each start command.
Burst
‘N’ T
0
pulses are generated for each start
command.
Duty Cycle
Once started T0 pulses cycle on and off
continuously.
Counter Architecture Overview
System Timer Functions
The System Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, multi-vibrator pulse generator. This
means that once started, depending on the mode, the timer will produce pulses
continuously. Before pulses can be generated, the timer must be armed and then receive a
start pulse. Arming the counter is done by enabling the Run/Stop function by either the
external button or through the 9200 application. With external trigger disabled, the Run/Stop
function also generates the start command for the counter. With external trigger enabled,
the external trigger provides the start pulse. In either case, once started, the counter
operation is determined by the System Mode Generator. Standard modes include:
The T0 pulse is distributed to all of the start inputs of the Channel Timers and Mode
Generators.
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 9
Channel Timer Functions
Normal
A pulse is generated for each T0 pulse.
Single Shot
One pulse is generated for the first T0 pulse, after
which the output is inhibited.
Burst
‘N’ number of pulses are generated for each T0
pulse, after which the output is inhibited.
Duty Cycle
‘N’ number of pulses are produced, one for each
T0 pulse, after which ‘M’ number of pulses will be
inhibited, one for each T0 pulse. The cycle is then
repeated for each subsequent T0 pulse.
The Channel Timer functions as a non-retriggerable, delayed, one shot pulse generator. This
means that the timer will only generate one delayed pulse for every start pulse received.
Once the channel timer has started counting, additional start pulses will be ignored until the
pulse has been completed (non-retriggerable). The start pulse for each channel is provided
by the internal T0 pulse generated by the internal system timer. Whether or not a pulse is
generated for each T0 pulse is determined by the Channel Mode Generator. Standard modes
include:
A Different mode may be selected for each channel, allowing a wide variety of output
combinations. Each output may also be independently disabled or gated (using the external
gate input).
Digital Output Multiplexer
The outputs of each of the Channel Timers are routed to a set of multiplexers. This allows
routing of any or all Channel Timers to any or all of the units’ outputs. In the normal mode of
operation, the output of the nth Channel Timer is routed to the nth output connector. As an
example, if a double pulse is required on Channel A, one can multiplex the Channel A timer
with the Channel B timer, then adjust each timer to provide the necessary pulses. Only the
timing parameters are multiplexed together, not the actual output amplitudes.
The 9200 allows the user to control the relationship between the Channel Timers by setting
the sync source for each timer. Independent events are all timed relative to the internal T0
start pulse. Dependent events may be linked together by setting the sync source to the
controlling event. This allows the instrument to match the timed events and adjustments can
be made in one event without detuning the timing between it and the dependent event.
Page 10 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
Navigating the 9200
Primary control of the 9200 is carried out either through the 9200 application (see 9200
application Menus) or through unit specific commands using a terminal program via USB (see
Programming the 9200). Communication through Bluetooth is also available as an upgrade
which will allow the same user interfaces as USB. The Run/Stop buttons found on either side
of the 9200 serve the purpose of both power on/off as well as enabling/disabling the system
output.
Enabling System Output
The Run/Stop button found on both the front and back panel of the 9200 is used to arm the
system. With external trigger disabled, the button will arm and start pulse output. With
external trigger enabled, the button will arm the pulse generator. Pulse outputs then starts
after the first valid trigger input. Pressing the Run/Stop button a second time disables the
pulse generator.
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 11
5. 9200 Setup
Overview
The 9200 can easily be interfaced by means of the included 9200 application. On standard
models, a USB cable and a port with USB 2.0 capabilities or greater (recommended) are
required to communicate with the unit. Bluetooth is available as an option if wireless
communication is required. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Power
The 9200 requires a +5VDC±250mV (≥470mA) power supply to operate. When the power is
supplied from a computer device, it is recommended that a USB 2.0 port (or greater) is used.
The unit may also be powered directly from a 5VDC USB DC wall-mount supply (≥470mA).
The current draw is highly dependent on the external loads. If all loads are high impedance,
the unit will require far less current to operate correctly. It should be noted that if 9200
consumes ≥500mA, the internal current sense circuit will cause the unit to go into a latched
state, which is depicted by the flashing LED’s on the Quantum logo. In this state, all outputs
will be inactive. In order to clear this state, the 9200 must be power cycled. In order to further
avoid this state, it is highly recommended that loads connected to any of the outputs be ≥50
ohms. If the 9200 is powered from a wall-mount supply, communication takes place only
through Bluetooth (optional upgrade). The USB cable should be plugged into the rear panel of
the unit that is labeled USB. The multi-functional power button, labeled “Run/Stop,” located on
both front and back of the unit will turn on the 9200 when pressed once. If a USB DC wallmount supply is chosen to be used, it is recommended that the AC Mains Socket-Outlet be
easily accessible so that the external power supply can be easily removed from the AC Mains
Socket Outlet.
Communication
The 9200 provides a standard USB connection for remote communications. An optional
Bluetooth feature is also available.
USB
When the 9200 is connected to a remote computer via the USB connection, the computer will
recognize the unit as a “QC-PG”. Drivers will need to be installed for the remote computer to
interface to the 9200. Drivers are included on the provided CD. Once the drivers have been
installed, the 9200 will show up in the device manager as a USB to Serial Port Adapter. The
9200 can then be communicated with by either the included 9200 application or by using any
generic communication terminal program. The unit is baud rate independent, so any speed can
be selected. Typically a rate of 115,200bps can be used.
Page 12 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
Driver Installation (Windows XP)
1. Plug the 9200 into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered on.
2. The computer will display a message indicating it has found new hardware: “QC-PG”.
3. The new hardware wizard will launch. Check the “Install from a list or specific location”
option and click next.
4. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations” and check the option to “Inc lude
this location in the search”. Click the browse button and locate the folder on the CD
where the 9200 drivers are located. Click next.
5. A message window will launch asking if you want to continue installing this driver.
Select the “Continue Anyway” button.
6. It should now indicate that it is installing a driver for a “QC-PG USB Communications
Port”.
7. Once the process is finished, a message will indicate that the drivers have been
successfully installed.
8. You can now communicate with the 9200 using either the included 9200 application or
by using any generic communication terminal program. You can view the Com Port
number assigned to the 9200 in your computers device manager under Ports.
Driver Installation (Windows 7)
1. Plug the 9200 into the computer using a USB cable. Make sure the unit is powered on.
2. A message will pop up on the computer indicating it has found new hardware and is
installing device driver software.
3. A message will indicate that the device drivers have not been successfully installed. The
Action Center may then launch with a list of options. Close the Action Center and do not
launch any of the actions.
4. Go to your computers device manager. This can be done by one of two ways. a) Right
click on the desktop “Computer” icon and select properties. Select Device Manager on
the left toolbar. b) Navigate to Control Panel and then Device Manager.
5. In Device Manager you should see a device under the Other Devices called the QC-PG.
There will be a yellow exclamation point next to it.
6. Right click on the QC-PG and select update driver software.
7. Select “Browse My Computer” for driver software and browse to the location of the USB
drivers for the 9200. The location is typically found on the software CD. It will contain a
file called “9200cdc.inf”. Select the folder in which the file resides, not the file itself.
Click next.
8. Windows will then indicate a warning window that the drivers are not verified. Select
“Install this driver software anyway”.
9. A message will then indicate that the drivers have been successfully updated and a
QC9200 USB Communication Port is now available.
10. You can now communicate with the 9200 using either the included 9200 application or
by using any generic communication terminal program. You can view the Com Port
number assigned to the 9200 in your computers device manager under Ports.
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 13
6. 9200 Application
9200 Application Overview
Aside from using the SCPI command protocol, the included software application is the primary
means of communication with the 9200. This application allows simple control of the 9200 unit
via the USB or optional Bluetooth communications port. To run the software, simply double
click on the application which can be found on the included CD. No installation is required.
The software can also be copied to your computer and run from any location. The screenshot
shown on the following page (Figure 6.1) shows the 9200 application and all of the
corresponding default parameters:
Page 14 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
Figure 6.1 –9200 Application Shown In Default State
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 15
Basic Operation
The following steps must be carried out before communication with the 9200 may take place:
Ensure that the proper drivers have already been installed on the remote computer.
These drivers will need to be installed for the remote computer to interface to the 9200.
Reference the “9200 Setup USB” section for more information on installing the proper
drivers.
Open the 9200 application by double clicking on the application which can be found on
the included CD.
Once the 9200 application recognizes the COM Port the 9200 is attached to, a
connection will be established, and communication may now be carried out.
System Section
The System Section of the 9200 application only affects the 9200’s system parameters. As
shown below in Figure 6.2, the following system parameters may be altered:
Figure 6.2 –9200 Application: System Parameters
Pulse Mode: Changes the system’s output mode to Continuous, Single Shot, Burst, or
Duty Cycle.
Period: Sets the System’s T0 period. Valid inputs are 200ns–1000s set in 10ns
increments.
Page 16 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
Duty Cycle: If Duty Cycle has been selected in the System’s Pulse Mode, the unit will
generate a continuous pulse stream in which outputs will be On for “N” pulses and Off for “M” pulses. One may alters the “N” (On) and “M” (Off) parameters:
On Counts (“N”): Positive integer value which designates the number of
pulses to produce during the “On Cycle.” Valid inputs are 1 -1,000,000.
Off Counts (“M”): Positive integer value which designates the number of
pulses to suppress during the “Off Cycle.” Valid inp uts are 1-1,000,000.
Burst Count: If Burst mode has been selected in the System’s Pulse Mode, the Burst
Counts positive integer input selects the number of T0 pulses generated once the
Run/Stop button has been pressed. Valid inputs are 1-1,000,000.
Run: Enables or disables the output for all channels. This command is the same as
pressing the Run/Stop button on either the front or back panel.
Auto Start: Enables or disables the Auto Start function. If enabled, the unit will start
pulsing immediately upon power-up or be in an armed state if in external mode.
External Trigger/Gate:Selects the system’s External Mode to be Disabled, Triggered,
or Gated. If either Triggered or Gated is selected, the following sub-parameters may be
set.
oThreshold (V): Sets the trigger threshold Voltage in 10mV increments. Typically
this value should be set to 50% of the incoming trigger voltage for optimum
trigger response. Valid threshold values are 0.20V-15V. The unit can handle up
to a 30V external input.
oPolarity: If the External Mode has been set to Gated, alter the Polarity to the
required polarity. Active low or active high are the available modes.
oTrigger Edge: If the External Mode has been set to Triggered, alter the Trigger
Edge to the required transition. Rising or falling edge are the available modes.
9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers Page 17
Channels Section
The Channels Section of the 9200 application only affects the 9200’s channel parameters.
Complex pulse trains can be created by combining various system and channel modes. As
shown below in Figure 6.3, the following channel parameters may be altered:
Figure 6.3 –9200 Application: Channel Parameters
Channel Selection: Select the proper Channel tab in order to further edit the
parameters on the corresponding channel.
Enabled: Enables and Disables the output for the selected channel.
Delay: Sets the delay from the timing reference to when the pulse is created. Valid
input is ±1000s with 10ns increments. Note: negative delays are only applicable if you
are referenced to a channel that has a positive delay.
Width: Sets the pulse width for the selected channel. Valid input is 10ns – 1000s with
10ns increments.
Amplitude: Allows the user to select the voltage amplitude of the output. Valid values
are 3.3V – 5V with 20mV increments.
Channel Mode: Changes the Channel Mode to Normal, Single Shot, Burst, or Duty
Cycle.
oNormal: Channel will produce pulses as long as a T0 is present (mimics System
Pulse Mode)
oDuty Cycle: If Duty Cycle has been selected in the Channels section, the unit will
generate a continuous pulse stream in which outputs will be On for “N” pulses
and Off for “M” pulses. One may alters the “N” (On) and “M” (Off) parameters:
On Counts (“N”): Positive integer value which designates the number of
pulses to produce during the “On Cycle.” Valid inputs are 1 -100,000.
Off Counts (“M”): Positive integer value which designates the number of
pulses to suppress during the “Off Cycle.” Valid inputs are 1-100,000.
Page 18 9200 Manual Version 1.6 | Quantum Composers
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